C

compiled languages system programming embedded systems operating systems software engineering
C is a general-purpose programming language that has influenced many modern languages. Known for its efficiency and control over system resources, C is widely used in system programming, embedded systems, and high-performance applications.

Introduction to C

C is a powerful, efficient, and flexible programming language that serves as the foundation for many other languages. Developed in the early 1970s by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs, C has since become a cornerstone in the world of computing. It is particularly well-suited for developing firmware or portable applications.

Key Features of C

  • Efficiency: C allows for low-level access to memory and requires minimal runtime support, making it highly efficient.
  • Portability: Programs written in C can often be compiled with little or no modification on different machines.
  • Structured Programming: C supports structured programming, allowing complex programs to be broken into simpler parts.
  • Rich Library: The C standard library provides numerous built-in functions for common tasks such as I/O handling, string manipulation, and mathematical computations.

Applications of C

C is commonly used in developing operating systems, embedded systems, and real-time applications. It is also a popular choice for system-level programming due to its direct interaction with hardware.

Context from Referenced By
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C's foundational nature makes it a starting point for understanding how modern systems and low-level programming work.

Context from Related Topics
Operating Systems

Many operating systems, including Unix and its derivatives, have been developed using C for its robust performance and system-level capabilities.

Embedded Systems

C's ability to interact closely with hardware makes it ideal for resource-constrained environments like embedded systems.

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Rust
Rust is a systems programming language that has been influenced by C, especially in its focus on performance and control over system resources.